replacing hat rail

[jdoran]

Any one ever replace the bottom center hat rail on the fuselage?

Any suggestions on the best way to do it without destroying the fabric?

Mine is showing signs of corrosion, and it's really hard to get way back there in the skinny section.

[crispy critter]

Re: replacing hat rail

Ok,I'll be the blonde one to ask this time....what's the "hat rail"?

[Guest]

Re: replacing hat rail

I am guessing that "hat rail" is the formed aluminum stringer shaped sorta like a dunce hat.

In this case I suppose the lower fuselage stringer id corroded.

How did I do?

Dave

[jdoran]

Re: replacing hat rail

You did perfect.

The rail is actually the lowest point of the fuselage and as a result attracts water/moisture. The fabric is tightened to it making it tough to replace.

I was hoping someone had done it before without cutting the fabric up too much to get the old one out and a new one in.

[mulwyk]

Re: replacing hat rail

But...but..."hat" rail? A rail on top of the fuselage? (like a hat on top of a head) Or maybe the rail that holds the hat shelf? (behind the baggage compartment) Or a rail in the shape of a cowboy hat ( _O_ ), Or a rail with Hardly Any Taper (a square section rail)

Come on now, you can't call it a "hat" and then just dismiss it as the bottom stringer on the fuselage. Fess up, jdoran, you just made up the "hat" thing.

[astjp2]

Re: replacing hat rail

Actually its called hat channel, Spruce calls it HAT SECTION, its actually roll formed to make the shape..... you will need to cut the fabric and replace the section...sucks as it may, that is what I would do to fix it right, once and the first time. Tim

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pdf/2007Individual/Cat07072.pdf